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It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the passing of Rits Kat on January 16, 2009


In tears we saw you sinking

We watched you fade away

Our hearts were broken

You fought so hard to stay

So even though you’ve left us

And we’ll miss you every day

To know that you’re not suffering

Is the price we gladly pay.


Born in the Wieringermeer in the Netherlands on March 29, 1945. Pre-deceased by father and mother. Survived by loving wife, best friend, and partner of 42 years Margaret (Greet); loving sons Jan (Coreen) of Calgary, Alberta; Niels (Kristie),Alberta Beach, Alberta; René (Theresa), Almere, the

Netherlands; adoring grandchildren Liam, Ethan, Jessica, Rits, Harley, Jordan, and Lina; two sisters and three brothers (and their spouses) in the Netherlands; a sister-in-law in the Netherlands and a sister-in-law in Penticton, BC.


Rits and Margaret immigrated to Canada in 1972 with their three little boys and lived in Revelstoke, BC for 30 years. There they operated a small construction outfit, a cabinet and furniture shop, and a pool and hottub business. In 2000 Rits learned he had prostate cancer, and in 2002 he and Margaret moved to Victoria, BC where he continued with carpentry but concentrated on tilesetting and woodfloor installations. His work was his hobby and he was well known for his excellent workmanship, his dedication, his knowledge, and his weird sense of humour. He was a very private person who loved his family and his homelife. He enjoyed a round of golf now and then with his sons, camping, cooking delicious dinners on the weekend, and vacations to Puerto Vallarta with Margaret.


In 2008 Rits was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was beating the prostate cancer and was sure he could beat this as well, but on January 16th he succumbed to his spreading illness.


Rest in peace Rits, Dad, Opa. We love you forever.


You did not go alone, Rits. Part of me went with you.

Your best friend, Greet.


A private celebration of Rits’s life was held on January 23, 2009.


Cremation arrangements were in the care of First Memorial Funeral Services, Victoria.


A very special thanks to Westshore Home and Community Care and the wonderfully compassionate and caring staff of Victoria Hospice, who helped him end his journey with dignity and love.


Condolences may be sent to margaret_kat@hotmail.com or

2953 Andre Road, Victoria, B.C. V9B 5X1.